NAVHDA International Youth Programs

The MN NAVHDA Youth Adventure Day was created to introduce kids and families to the outdoors through hands-on experiences focused on nature education, dog training, and outdoor recreation. Our goal is simple — get kids outside, build confidence, encourage curiosity, and create a lasting appreciation for the natural world and the traditions that help protect it.

Throughout the summer, youth participants have the opportunity to explore a variety of outdoor-focused activities centered around the values of NAVHDA. Each event is designed to be educational, interactive, family-friendly, and welcoming to all experience levels — whether a child has grown up around hunting dogs or is experiencing these activities for the very first time.
 
During our Youth Adventure Days, participants may take part in guided hikes, scavenger hunts, bird and plant identification activities, introductory NAVHDA training exercises, gun safety education, and demonstrations and opportunities to watch handlers participate in NAVHDA testing.
 
The MN NAVHDA Chapter had its first Youth Adventure Day the summer of 2025 and continues to expand the program each year with the hope of reaching more families and creating new opportunities for kids to connect with the outdoors. Our members are passionate about sharing their knowledge, experience, and love for versatile hunting dogs, conservation, and outdoor traditions.
 
Looking ahead, we hope to continue growing the Youth Adventure Day into a long-term summer tradition that inspires kids to step away from screens, experience the outdoors firsthand, and develop lifelong skills, friendships, and passions centered around nature, dogs, safety and fun.
Whether a child dreams of training a hunting dog, learning about wildlife, or simply spending more time outside, the MN NAVHDA Youth Adventure Day is designed to provide a positive, supportive, and fun environment where every participant can learn, explore, and grow.